What's happened
Denver has wrapped its three-day draft with back-to-back selections at the end of the process, adding Buffalo LB Red Murdock as the final pick and Utah TE Dallen Bentley among others. Team officials say the picks will contribute to depth and special teams, with a focus on younger talent and versatility across positions.
What's behind the headline?
What this update means for Denver
- The Broncos are prioritizing youth and depth, signaling a plan to develop players over immediate impact. This approach could pay off if the roster grows cohesively over the next season.
- By pairing offensive and defensive versatility (e.g., Justin Joly as a multi-use tight end and Miles Scott as a two-way contributor), Denver is building a flexible toolkit for Sean Payton’s system.
- The emphasis on special teams with Mr. Irrelevant and other late picks suggests a blueprint for improving coverage units, where teams often find value in later rounds.
What to watch next
- How new draftees adapt in training camp and whether they earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
- The impact of these late picks on depth charts, particularly at tight end and safety, where competition could be fierce.
- Long-term development trajectory for players from non-Power 5 programs, reflecting a broader trend toward college-to-NFL transition paths.
How we got here
Denver entered the draft after a strong 15-4 season and a cautious free-agency strategy, trading away first- and second-round picks for Waddle and additional value. The Broncos then used their late-round selections to add a mix of linemen, backs, and a tight end, aiming to develop depth without forcing immediate impact.
Our analysis
Associated Press, AP News – Denver Broncos have wrapped their draft with late-round additions including Red Murdock, Dallen Bentley, and Miles Scott. Paton and Payton describe the strategy as adding depth and versatility to the roster, with a focus on developing younger players. The coverage notes the team’s post-draft assessment of the roster and the anticipated roles for the newcomers.
Go deeper
- Which late-round pick do you think has the best path to 53-man roster status?
- How will the Broncos balance development of draft picks with competing for immediate roles on special teams?
- What impact will the new safety and tight end additions have on the depth chart in Camp?
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Sean Payton - American football coach
Patrick Sean Payton is an American football coach and former player who is the current head coach of the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League.